Why fines?

I have always disliked the concept of fines.

In theory people bring borrowed materials back promptly to avoid an unpleasant surcharge. Further, there is an underlying assumption that a low level of financial punishment is appropriate when rules are violated. In part, fines are justified as an “educational” experience.

In practice, fines become a nuisance fee for regular library users, a barrier to use for the poor, and a source of ongoing arguments between library users and circulation staff that are left with the unenviable job of collections. Those who can afford fines often happily pay with the assumption that their “contribution” is being used to strengthen the library’s collection.

Those who really can’t afford to pay are often blocked from further borrowing even though materials have been returned. Even more troubling is the fact that many families of moderate and low income refuse to let their children have library cards due to potential liability for overdue material.

Library staff dreads the confrontational customer. The arguments are many and varied but the usual claim is that materials were returned promptly and somehow there were internal processing errors within the library that caused the problem. The exchanges tend to be less than cordial

If my statements above are valid then why not simply eliminate fines? Des Moines Public Library generates nearly a quarter of a million dollars in fine revenue annually. Our funding source, the City of Des Moines, anticipates those funds when establishing our budget each year. In other words, we have become dependent on the revenue.

Is there a viable solution? The answer is a definite maybe.

First, we need to discover if the community is willing to support a fine free library. In this area the public library should reflect local sentiment.

Second, we need to determine if the $250,000 in revenue can be replaced. Will individuals or corporations be willing to step up and contribute on a regular basis to support a fine free library? I can envision XYZ Corp. and/or John Smith contributes $22,500 to make August fine free at the Des Moines Public Library.

I’d be interested in your thoughts. Is fine free something to work towards or simply a waste of time.

Formats are a Challenge

I'm old enough, just barely, to remember 78 rpm records. At one time libraries that offered 33 1/3 rpm records for loan to the public were considered cutting edge. With each technological advancement in the delivery of audio and video libraries have been faced with an ongoing dilemma.

At what point do you abandon an old format and embrace a new one? Let's take some cases in point and track the genesis of change and look at the issues libraries must address.

In the mid '70s many libraries circulated 8 and super 8mm films for home use. A few libraries also circulated 16mm feature films. By the mid '80s libraries were embracing videotape, although the debate between BETA and VHS raged on longer in libraries than the general marketplace. As we moved into the new millennium DVD became the video format of choice for libraries, although not many of us have eliminated our back stock of videotape. Today real time digital downloads of video content appear to be the direction the public will be embracing.

For many years the only people with access to audio book recordings were the blind and physically handicapped. These were bulky items originally on vinyl and subsequently on tape that involved public libraries in an inordinate amount of red tape. At some point in the '70's or early '80's books on tape became available to the general public. These items generated a substantial user base and subsequently became available in a cd and then an mp3 disc format. This was followed by real time digital downloads.

Format changes force libraries to evaluate what is being offered to customers and determine if we should change how we offer certain products and if it is our responsibility to continue to offer some products if they are readily available commercially. For example, there is no shortage of video stores or online alternatives. Despite this, libraries still circulate a high volume of DVDs and videotapes.

Format changes force libraries to examine how scarce collection dollars are allocated. Should we continue to add to the DVD collection, divert some money from DVD to digital downloads, or abandon the service altogether? If we choose to invest in digital downloads how many dollars are we willing to commit? If we choose to abandon not only a format but a popular service are we willing to accept the public outcry and an almost certain drop in circulation?

The questions are difficult and satisfactory solutions are elusive. I would be very interested in reader comments and suggestions that address these questions.
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